First launched globally 10 years ago, the KPMG CEO Outlook surveys more than 1,300 global business leaders overseeing companies with revenues of at least US$500M from some of the world’s biggest economies and key industries.
This year’s survey shows that CEOs are optimistic about their organization’s future, with 92 percent of leaders looking to increase the overall headcount of their workforce, but also recognizing they need to future proof the skillsets of their people and demonstrate increased employee value proposition to attract and retain talent.
Nhlamu Dlomu, Global Head of People, KPMG International, said: “This year’s findings highlight a widening gap between the expectations of CEOs and their employees. The world is changing at pace and the employee-value-proposition is changing with it. The successful leaders of tomorrow will be those who understand that their talent dilemma can only be solved by investing in, nurturing and supporting talent through a ‘social contract’ that understands today’s employees don’t just desire, but expect a more agile, flexible working environment and a better work-life balance – especially in the midst of a pervasive cost of living crisis.”
Since 2015, as employees have demanded more flexibility in working patterns and a stronger alignment between personal beliefs and organizational purpose, successful leaders have adapted well to this shifting workforce dynamic. The leaders who prosper are those who put people at the heart of their growth strategy and evolve their social contract to keep up with the evolving expectations of current and future talent.
However, the leaders surveyed show that the return-to-office debate continues to give food for thought. This years’ findings reveal that CEOs are hardening their stance on returning to pre-pandemic ways of working, with 83 percent expecting a full return to the office within the next three years — a notable increase from 64 percent in 2023. And this expectation only increases with age: 75 percent for those aged 40 to 49, 83 percent for those aged 50 to 59, and 87 percent for those aged 60 to 69. Interestingly, there is also a gender split emerging in this debate: while 84 percent of male CEOs predict a full return to the office within three years, only 78 percent of female CEOs anticipate the same shift back. Furthermore, 87 percent of respondents say they are likely to reward employees who make an effort to come into the office with favorable assignments, raises or promotions.
CEOs also acknowledge that other talent-related issues could affect future growth and competitiveness. Almost a third of them say they are concerned about labor market shifts — specifically the number of employees that will soon retire, and the lack of skilled workers available to replace them. In response to this talent shortage, 80 percent of CEOs agree that organizations should be investing in skills development and lifelong learning within local communities to help safeguard access to future talent. With this local commitment, 92 percent of leaders hope this will help to increase the overall headcount of their workforce over the next three years.